Dubai, UAE, 1 October 2014: Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) has hosted a lunch banquet for a group of elderly Emirati citizens, at Al Fanar Restaurant, Dubai Festival City. DEWA hosted the lunch to mark the International Day of Older Persons which is celebrated on 1 October each year. This years theme is Leaving no one behind: promoting a society for all. The banquet was attended by HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, his Executive Vice Presidents and Vice Presidents, and Dr. Salwa Al Suwaidi, Senior Specialist Registrar of Geriatrics, and Director of the Family Gathering Centre.

In line with its vision to become a sustainable world-class utility and its commitment to its corporate social responsibility, DEWA has launched several initiatives and development projects, across all aspects of society, including people with special needs and the elderly. This is part of the wider efforts of the Government of Dubai to support society at large. This gathering, which we are organising to observe the International Day of Older Persons, is one of the many ways in which we communicate with the elderly and express our appreciation and thanks for their notable achievements, said Al Tayer.

Such meetings are part of DEWAs efforts to involve its staff in various social activities and this meeting is a sincere gesture on our part to express our appreciation for the elderly and promote social solidarity, said Moza Al Akraf, Acting CIO of DEWA.
Caring for the elderly has considerable importance in the UAEs culture, as they are the foundation of the formation of our nation and role models for todays generation, who have benefitted from their efforts, added Al Akraf.
Al Akraf emphasised that its important that all individuals and organisations in society work together to care for senior citizens who have contributed a great deal to the growth that the UAE has achieved.

DEWA attaches great importance to its responsibility towards society. From this prospective, we support and sponsor many social events in Dubai around the year. Through this, DEWA seeks to consolidate its social communication, especially with the elderly, and provide a stable and dignified life for them as an integral part of society, said Huda Al Mutawa, Acting Vice President of Marketing & Corporate Communications at DEWA
At the end of the banquet, Al Tayer honoured the elderly in observance of the occasion. During the event, participants listened to Emirati traditional and heritage poems and songs, in addition to other entertaining activities that attendees enjoyed.

DEWA is committed to providing a package of services and facilities for senior citizens through Thukher cards from the Community Development Authority in Dubai. Benefits include providing valet parking and wheelchairs at all DEWA customer services centres, in addition to 50% discount on Activation of Supply (Move In) and Final Bill (Move Out) services as well as meter inspection charges.